A year after gunmen killed 26 civilians in Pahalgam, the world paused to remember the victims of one of the most devastating terrorist attacks in India’s recent history.
The attack, which took place on 22 April last year, drew international condemnation when it emerged that victims had been singled out based on their religious identity. A year on, tributes poured in from governments and leaders across the world, with countries friendly with India reaffirming their solidarity and their rejection of terrorism in all its forms.
European Union
The European Union and its 27 members posted a joint response, reiterating their “unwavering support” for India. In a statement posted by the EU’s diplomatic mission in India, the bloc said it stood “in remembrance of the innocent victims murdered one year ago” and expressed solidarity with their families and the government of India. The EU reiterated its firm stance that such acts “can never be justified.”
United States
The United States paid tribute to those killed in the attack, with US envoy Sergio Gor reaffirming Washington’s support for India’s fight against terrorism. “On the one-year anniversary of the horrific attack in Pahalgam, we remember the innocent victims and honour their memory as we mourn with their families,” he said.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom marked the anniversary with a message of solidarity from its diplomatic mission in India. “Today, we mark one year since the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam. We pay our respects to the victims, and our thoughts remain with everyone affected,” the UK’s official handle posted. The mission added that the UK condemns terrorism in all its forms and remains committed to working with partners to secure peace and security.
France
France joined its European partners in marking the anniversary. The French Embassy in India said, “On the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack, France, together with the European Union and its other Member States, remember the victims and recall their solidarity with India.” The embassy reaffirmed France’s steadfast commitment to the shared fight against terrorism.
Japan
Joining the global chorus, Japan remembered the victims and expressed condolences to their families. Ambassador ONO Keiichi said, “One year after the heinous Pahalgam terrorist attack, we remember the innocent victims. Japan condemns terrorism in all its forms and stands in solidarity with India — in our shared resolve to combat terrorism and commitment to peace and security.”
Australia
Philip Green, Australia’s High Commissioner to India, issued a strong message honouring the victims. “We join our Indian friends and colleagues to remember the innocent lives lost in the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam,” he said in a post on X.
Israel
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar paid tribute on behalf of the State of Israel, extending condolences to the families of the victims and reiterating a firm stance against terrorism. The message expressed solidarity with India and support for decisive action against cross-border terror.
Russia
Russia’s Ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, offered his condolences and reiterated Moscow’s support for India in its fight against terrorism. Speaking to NDTV, he said Russia has always been on the same wavelength as India in its rejection of terrorism in any form. “The fight against terrorism is an important topic of discussion between us,” he added. Russia, he said, has always extended its support to India and continues to do so.
Canada
In a notable show of solidarity, Canada’s diplomatic mission in India also marked the anniversary. “As we mark one year since the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Canada pays tribute to the victims and their families and reaffirms its commitment to working with international partners to advance peace and security,” the mission posted on X.
Kashmir reopens tourist spots under tight security
After the Pahalgam attack, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan as part of its response to cross-border terrorism. The government also took diplomatic measures, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan.
Authorities subsequently shut down 48 tourist sites across Jammu and Kashmir over security concerns. Nearly a year later, 39 of them have been reopened, according to a report by the Hindustan Times.
Fourteen major destinations are now operational, with enhanced security in place across all sites. With the Tulip Festival 2026 drawing visitors back to the valley, hotels are once again reporting full occupancies.